Arsenal make stance on Emile Smith Rowe clear as Chelsea face unlikely rival for £40m deal

Arsenal have told Emile Smith Rowe he can complete a permanent move before Friday's deadline with West Ham the latest club to be linked, a fresh report has claimed.

The Hammers and Chelsea are both said to be interested in the Hale End graduate.

And according to Football Insider, the Gunners could accept a £35-40million offer for Smith Rowe, despite the player having three years left on his contract.

Chelsea have already spent some £300million this transfer window alone, but could look to add Smith Rowe to their ranks before Friday.

It has been widely reported that Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino believes his side lack something in attack after one win from their opening three Premier League games this term.

Smith Rowe is among several Arsenal players linked with a departure as Arteta seeks to recoup money after the club's net spend of around £170million this summer.

Smith Rowe has played just 161 minutes of football for the Gunners in 12 appearances last term, after enduring an ankle injury.

Moreover, this term he has been an unused substitute in all three of Arsenal's Premier League games, despite being a fans favourite.

In fact, the most Smith Rowe has played in any one league encounter since the turn of the year was 47 minutes at home to Bournemouth back in March.

Fabio Vieira, who endured a difficult first season at Arsenal, appears to be above the England international in the pecking order, having impressed from the bench against Fulham.

Since graduating from the Arsenal youth team Smith Rowe has made 97 senior appearances for the club, netting 18 goals and claiming 11 assists. He was one of Arsenal's standout performers over the course of the 2021/22 season, ending the campaign as the club's joint-top scorer.

The midfielder has featured heavily for England's under-21's however, playing a central part in the teams European Championship victory this summer. Across the competition he claimed two goals and an assists.

Smith Rowe has also represented the senior England side under Gareth Southgate on three occasions.